Florida's Python Challenge: Wildlife Officer Shows How to Safely Capture Invasive Burmese Pythons

Florida Wildlife Officer Demonstrates Burmese Python Capture Ahead of Python Challenge The Florida Everglades face a significant threat from invasive Burmese pythons, which are devastating native wildlife populations. To combat this, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced the 2025 Florida Python Challenge, a 10-day competition aimed at removing these snakes from public lands. A recent CBS News video showcases a wildlife officer's expertise in safely capturing these large reptiles. "These snakes are fairly large," explains the officer in the video, emphasizing the challenge of capturing them. He demonstrates a strategy of "moving around the snake in a circle" to tire it out before safely securing it. The humane killing of Burmese pythons is permitted year-round in Florida, but live transport has been banned. The FWC views the Python Challenge as crucial for preserving biodiversity and engaging residents in environmental conservation. The competition underscores the ongoing struggle to maintain ecological balance in the face of invasive species. This year's event is expected to attract numerous participants, reflecting the growing concern about the impact of Burmese pythons on the delicate ecosystem of the Everglades.